DeFever 37 Trawler Tri-Cabin

The Ford Lehman 120 marine diesel features low hours of use for this age of vessel. These engines were used on many similar trawlers for decades and parts remain available today.

Electrical system components include:
-All batteries new 2025
- Six (6) 6 volt house batteries in series;
- Two (2) 8D 12 volt SuperStarter batteries;
- Magnum Energy Magna-Sine MS2812 Pure Sine Wave Inverter/Charger;
- NewMar 12VDC/50A house battery charger;
- Onan Model 7.5 MDJE 3CR generator- hours unknown. Believed to be original.

Other rigged Wood spars (1972) with galvanised standing rigging (1972)

Trawler-style mast with boom for launching shore boat.
Includes an electrical lifting winch. No steadying sail aboard.

12 volt battery, 110 shore power voltage, 8 batteries charged by: engine, shore power, generator

LOA for moorage purposes is 42 feet.

The designer, Arthur DeFever, is well known for creating very seaworthy vessels. High, graceful bow, wide side decks with high bulwarks, full-bodied, easily driven displacement hulls. Several models of Grand Banks are also DeFever designs as well as as the China-built DeFever Brand of modern fiberglass models.

The DeFever wooden boats built in Japan were typically constructed of Philippine Mahogany for structural material and bronze fastened. This type of construction and the quality of craftsmanship in fabrication has contributed to the longevity of these and similar (Grand Banks) yachts of the era when well maintained by knowledgeable boat owners.

The hull is of tight seamed construction, one of the most challenging methods used for building that produces an exceptionally smooth exterior while providing strength and resistance to water intrusion compared to caulked construction methods.

Decks are marine plywood with fiberglass over. Cabin sides are marine plywood with painted trim.

A recent (2025) survey found the hull, deck and vessel structure sound with no abnormalities noted.

New dripless shaft seal.
The fuel tanks are steel.
The holding tank is poly.
The water tank is steel.

Waterline Boats / Boatshed does not independently verify capacities and measures, which are reported from seller-provided information and/or literature.

This is a well-maintained classic wooden trawler with a tri-cabin layout. Interior features and finishes have been upgraded while keeping the original teak cabinetry and trim characteristics of the vessel. The design is clean and yacht quality while incorporating modern upgrades such as new engineered flooring, which provides for a durable and watertight surface in the main salon. White surfaces and upholstery brighten up the interior compared to the more common finishes found in similar trawlers of this period. The white settee converts to a sleeping space for two.

Forward is a private v-berth cabin. Access to the anchor locker is at the forward bulkhead. Clean white cabin surfaces and teak trim present here with four opening port lights and an overhead hatch for light, ventilation, and emergency egress. There are new high quality blue and white mattresses for each berth. These are not simply upholstered foam but home-type mattress construction. Ample storage is found in teak cabinetry, drawers and lockers.

Aft to port is a marine head compartment with Vacuflush toilet and hand-held shower. Opposite the head is a large hanging locker which provides access to the back of the helm electrical and control panels.

Companionway stairs lead to the main salon. The helm is to starboard with an outboard door to the side deck. Behind the helm seat is a small teak table with two stools.

Further aft to starboard is the L-shaped galley. This features a single stainless steel sink with modern faucet fixture and ample countertop space plus space in drawers and upper and lower teak cabinets. A three burner stove with oven and a microwave are here. Above the stove is a large window looking aft.

Opposite the galley to port is a built-in refrigerator and freezer with teak doors. There is a door to the side deck and a custom sofa on the port side of the main cabin sleeps two.

Companionway stairs lead aft and down to the master suite cabin. This features a double berth to port. Again, as in the guest cabin there is a brand new high quality mattress for the double berth. There is lots of space for storage in teak cabinetry drawers and lockers. The ensuite marine head compartment is to starboard and features a Vacuflush toilet and stall shower. Companionway stairs lead up and aft to the aft deck.

There are two sources of cabin heat; One Espar type diesel forced air heat, and one Red Dot type utilizing the hot water from the engine.

3 burner gas cooker/stove